Reality is the state of the world as it really is, while an illusion is a misinterpretation of reality. Delusions often cause people to lose their minds because they inadvertently lead them to live according to false beliefs. As a result, the consequences for these people and those around them are often horrific. The theme of illusion versus reality is excessively demonstrated in Macbeth, a play written by William Shakespeare, as well as in The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller. In both plays, characters who lived illusory lives ended up leaving behind a trail of ignominy, sorrow, and death. In Macbeth, it is Macbeth and Lady Macbeth who constantly misinterpret reality as a world that accommodates their malicious desires. In The Crucible, the entire town of Salem misinterprets reality as a world of supernatural danger. In addition to this theme being undoubtedly evident in these two plays, it is also evident in our modern society, as well as in the lives of the individuals within it. Although the consequences of misinterpreting an illusion versus reality are not always pernicious, it is certain that they will always be harmful. In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth seriously corrupts the morality and ambition of her husband, Macbeth. She makes him believe that he can carry out the murders of innocent people, like King Duncan, and that he will eventually escape reprisals. Initially, Macbeth was reluctant to comply with Lady Macbeth's barbaric plans; and was unconsciously able to realize that carrying out his wife's murderous contemplation would only lead to a disastrous outcome. Although Macbeth possessed good morals, his ambition to obtain power allowed his wife to...... middle of paper ... faculties, ultimately resulting in the eradication of yourself and those around you . They can also break up societies to such an extent that its members are hostile to each other; ultimately resulting in the systematic breakdown of civility and tranquility. Finally, they can lead a person to live a life of unwarranted optimism, which inevitably ends up exposing them to an abhorrent reality. It is best to refrain from living a life of illusion; by doing so, you will avoid the pain and devastation this will cause. Furthermore, it is imperative that you be vigilant towards those who live illusory lives; because if you are not, you risk finding yourself mixed up with their deleterious nature. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Classic Bookmark, New York, New York, 1963.2. Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Classics, London, England, 1953.